Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight and Truck Payload Capacity
Updated 03/22/2018 | Published 03/21/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
What I have: 2010 Toyota Tundra 5.7 V8 Payload: 1380lbs What I found in the door jam at least Problem: Can I safely pull a fifth wheel I have been shopping around for a camper for some time now. Yesterday a dealer told me that my truck would be able to handle more payload on the bed of the truck vs. a hitch fifth wheel vs pull behind. The fifth wheel that we found has a hitch weight of 1400lbs. After loading passengers and the fifth wheel hitch, this is clearly above the marked rating or maybe Im misunderstanding. He is under the impression that because the hitch weight is going to be distributed over the bed, this will not be a problem. I would like to get a second opinion on this because I do not want to put my family or others at risk while pulling this down the interstate. Thanks in advance for the help! Side note, the overall weight is well within my vehicles towing capacity. Towing Capacity: 10,200lbs Fifth Wheel Weight: 7,600lbs
asked by: Jordan
Expert Reply:
The hitch pin weight of 1400 lbs you stated is so close to your payload capacity, but that is not accounting for the 5th wheel hitch and rail weights or the loaded weight with cargo added. Tunda's are notorious for having a lower payload and in this case, I can't tell you it will be fine. The payload weight is spread out over the truck bed where the 5th wheel rails are mounted to the frame directly so are more secure. Unfortunately manufacturers don't test for the 5th Wheel Hitch weight capacities.
The towing weight won't be an issue at all, so you will need to determine how comfortable you are with the loaded king pin weight and your frame. Normally we use the payload weight as a reference for hitch weights, but they aren't directly interchangeable.
If you decide you want to pull the 5th wheel, I recommend going with a light hitch like # RP30051 for a slider on a short bed, or # RP30047 for an 8 foot bed. With either option for custom fit rails, I recommend the # RP50084-58. Finally, you may want to consider a wiring harness like # 50-97-410 to add a second 7-way to the bed of your truck for easy connection.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 10 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit w/ Shock Absorbers - Tandem 7K Trailer Axles
- Shop: CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 5.2K to 7K, Round Trailer Axles - 7" Long U-Bolts - Zinc
- Q&A: What is Towing Capacity of 2020 Ram 2500
- Video: Roadmaster Comfort Ride Suspension Installation - 2017 Grand Design Reflection Travel Trailer
- Search Results: axle
- Shop: MORryde U-Bolts for 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb Round Trailer Axles - Qty 4
- Shop: Trailer Axle Beam with Easy Grease Spindles - 95" Long - 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 6,000 lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2
- Shop: Dexter Shackle Bolt for Double Eye Springs - 9/16" Diameter - 2-7/8" Long - Qty 1
- Search Results: gen y
- Shop: Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Q&A: Is Grease Required For The Slipper Spring Bolts Of The Roadmaster Comfort Ride Suspension Kit
- Q&A: Spare Leaf Springs, Shackle Kit, and Spring Hangers for a 2019 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS
- Q&A: What Are The Dimensions Of Dexter Shackle Bolt For Double Eye Springs 007-126-01?
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
- Q&A: Correct Reese Goose Box to Replace Lippert 795795 Pin Box
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Shackle Bolt with Locknut For Double-Eye Springs
- Video: 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles Spec Review
- Video: All About the Replacement 7/16"-20 Flange Nut
- Q&A: Meaning of 8 on 6-1/2 Inch Bolt Pattern for Dexter Hub # 8-285-11
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Curt CrossWing Lightweight Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter
- Search Results: rm~2460~2570
- Video: Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs Spec Review
- Search Results: 12v wire
- Search Results: cable
- Search Results: wire
- Q&A: Is Pullrite ISR Series 5th Wheel Hitch Locking Plate Same as for Pullrite OEX
- Article: Which Hitches are Made in the USA
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
on 5th Wheel Hitch
